Staffordshire bull terrier

Staffordshire bull terrier, also known as pit bull terrier, breed of dog. These muscular dogs stand up to 19 in (48 cm) and weigh up to 50 lb (23 k). They may be any color, solid in patches, or brindled. They are named after the town in which they were bred in early 19th-century England. Their original purpose was to fight other dogs—usually in pits—or bears.